Mental health concerns among teens are more common than many people think. For a lot of teens and adolescents, mental health issues can affect every aspect of their lives, making it hard to develop healthy relationships or succeed at school or work. Parents play a crucial role in maintaining their teens’ mental health. As a parent or family member of a teen with mental health concerns, it is essential to be there for them, listen to their problems, and offer support. One way to support them is to help find therapeutic activities for mental health.
Beyond Healthcare knows the importance of recognizing mental health symptoms in teens early and providing them support. We are dedicated to helping adolescents and teens between 11-17 find the path to a healthier, happier future through compassionate mental health care. Learn more about our mental health treatment programs in Ohio by calling 833.698.0453 today.
Easy Activities for Mental Health Symptoms
Here are some practical therapeutic activities for mental health that parents and families can do with their teens.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is an excellent way to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. It teaches people to be present in the moment, observe their thoughts, and let them pass without judgment. To do this, find a quiet place and have your teen sit comfortably with their eyes closed. Ask them to take deep breaths and focus on the sensation of the air entering and leaving their body. Thoughts may come and go during meditation. Encourage your teen to observe them without judgment and let them fade away.
Create a Vision Board
Creating a vision board is a fun and creative activity that teens will enjoy. It involves selecting positive images, words, and quotes that resonate with them and creating a collage on a board. A vision board helps to visualize future goals and can motivate teens to work towards their aspirations. Encourage your teen to think about their goals, select images that represent them, and arrange them on the board.
Gratitude Journal
Teens who live from mental health issues can experience feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Practicing gratitude can help them focus on the positive aspects of their life and improve their mood. Start by asking your teen to write down three things they are grateful for in a journal every day. This could include:
- Family
- Friends
- A favorite place
- Health
- A hobby
Encourage your teen to look at the list often and add more items as time goes on. It is important to keep track of successes and progress over time. Practicing gratitude can help teens build resilience and feel more empowered.
Yoga
Yoga is an excellent way to promote mental and physical wellness. It helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by calming the mind and improving flexibility and balance. You can join your teen for a yoga session, either at home or in a yoga studio. There are many online classes that you can access, and you do not need any prior experience to practice yoga.
Walk in Nature
Walking in nature has many therapeutic benefits for mental health. Research has shown that it can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Walking outdoors helps to improve mood, increase focus, and boost overall well-being. Encourage your teen to take a walk in a nearby park, forest, or beach. It is an excellent way to connect with nature and enjoy the surroundings.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a creative way to express emotions and feelings. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety and promotes relaxation and self-awareness. You can engage in art therapy with your teen by choosing any art form, such as painting, drawing, or sculpting. Provide them with the necessary materials, and let them create freely.
Beyond Healthcare Offers Mental Health Activities and Therapy
Our individualized treatment plans focus on building skills and providing support while incorporating therapeutic activities for mental health that are personalized to each teen’s needs. We understand how important it is to provide teens with a safe space and a caring environment, so we strive to create an atmosphere of respect and understanding. To learn more about our mental health programs, contact us today at 833.698.0453.
